Chapter 353 Willing to Return
He stood up and shouted, "Your Honor, I want George to testify! He's involved in this too, and his testimony will help get to the bottom of this!"
Jack had planned everything down to the last detail. Even if his shady friends bailed, George had been the president of the Russell Group for years, always with Charles's backing.
Jack was convinced that George would find a way out!
George was in the gallery. Hearing his name, he stood up, walked to the witness stand, and gave a slight nod to the judge.
Scarlett's lawyer asked, "George, are you willing to testify for the defense and confirm the legality of the stock transfer?"
George glanced thoughtfully at Scarlett and Jack before firmly responding, "Your Honor, I am willing to return the Stuart Group's shares on behalf of Scarlett and Jack and compensate the Stuart Group for all losses. I admit there were improper actions during the stock transfer, and I am willing to take full responsibility."
As soon as he finished speaking, the courtroom erupted. The people in the gallery started murmuring, while Scarlett and Jack's faces turned extremely grim.
Scarlett slammed the table and yelled at George, "Are you out of your mind? What nonsense are you spouting?"
Jack was even more furious. He stormed up to George, jabbing a finger towards him and cursing, "You damn bastard! How dare you help outsiders! Have you been brainwashed by that bitch Emma? You're turning your back on your own family!"
George's brow furrowed, and his gaze turned icy. He stared directly at Jack, "Dad, watch your words. Emma is my wife, and I won't let anyone insult her."
Jack was trembling with rage, his voice growing sharper, "Wife? She's a curse! If it weren't for her, the Russell family wouldn't be in this mess! You've abandoned your family for her. Do you have any conscience left?"
George's voice remained calm but carried an undeniable authority, "Dad, the Russell family is in this situation because of our own mistakes, not Emma. She has never wronged the Russell family. On the contrary, she has been trying to make up for our mistakes. Please calm down."
Jack was completely infuriated by George's attitude. He pointed at George, his voice hoarse, "Fine! If you want to protect her so much, then don't consider me your father! From today on, I have no son! Never show your face to me again!"
"If that's your decision, I respect it." George replied firmly.
The judge banged his gavel, signaling for silence in the courtroom. He looked at George with a serious expression, "George, is your statement true? Are you willing to take full responsibility?"
"Yes, Your Honor. I am willing to take all responsibility and immediately return the shares and compensate for the losses."
The judge nodded and then turned to Scarlett and Jack, "Do you have anything else to say?"
They exchanged glances, clearly at a loss for words. Their lawyer also lowered his head, evidently realizing the case was lost.
The judge banged his gavel again and announced the verdict, "Based on the evidence and witness statements, the court rules as follows. The stock transfer agreement between Anna and Sophia is invalid, and consequently, the agreement between them is also invalid. George's voluntary return of shares and compensation for losses is supported by the court. The defendants, Scarlett and Jack, have lost the case and must bear the legal costs."
As soon as the verdict was read, Scarlett collapsed into her chair, glaring at George with a mix of anger and despair, "Why did you do this?"
George looked at her calmly, "Mom, what's not yours will never be yours. Don't make more mistakes."
Scarlett bit her lip, wanting to say more, but Jack pulled her back.
"There's nothing more to say to this traitor! Let him go! I have no son like him!"
After the court's ruling, the execution process quickly began.
Despite her reluctance, Scarlett had to return all the Stuart Group's shares under legal compulsion. Sophia finally regained the Stuart Group's shares, but she felt little joy. Standing on the top floor of the Stuart Group building, overlooking the bustling Lakeside Haven, she felt an emptiness inside.
"These shares ultimately belong to Emma," Sophia murmured to herself. She took out her phone and dialed Emma's number, but no one answered. She frowned, feeling a sense of unease.
She decided to find Emma in person and drove to Seraphine's kindergarten.
At the kindergarten entrance, children were playing happily, their laughter clear and joyful. Sophia stood at the gate, searching the crowd for Emma. Finally, she saw Emma and Michael walking hand in hand with Seraphine, who was beaming with happiness.
Sophia quickly approached them, "Emma, I finally found you."
Emma looked surprised to see Sophia but nodded politely, "Mrs. Stuart, what brings you here?"
Sophia suppressed her emotions, "Emma, I wanted to tell you that I've regained the Stuart Group's shares. I want to transfer them to you. They rightfully belong to you."
"Mrs. Stuart, thank you for your kindness, but I can't accept them. Michael and I have decided to leave Lakeside Haven and start a new life. These shares mean nothing to me now."
"But Emma, these shares are yours by right. You're our only daughter. If not to you, then to whom?"
"Mrs. Stuart, I've let go of the past. Now, I just want to live a peaceful life with Michael and Seraphine. Please give the shares to someone who needs them more."
Sophia looked at Emma, feeling a mix of emotions. Emma had completely moved on, while she was still fixated on the shares' ownership.
After a moment of silence, Sophia finally nodded, "Alright, if that's your decision, I respect it."
Emma smiled slightly, took Seraphine's hand, and walked away.
Sophia watched Emma and Michael leave, feeling as if a weight had been lifted. She stood at the kindergarten entrance, took a deep breath, and looked resolutely into the distance.
"If Emma doesn't want the shares, then I'll use them for something more meaningful."
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